ORIGIN

Rare Vignale-Designed Prototype: 1953 Fiat 1100

7/11/2008 Update: This car has been re-listed here on eBay, where the bidding has already eclipsed the highest bid in the last auction!

7/6/2008 Update: This Fiat did not met reserve at $45,100 with 13 bidders.

From 6/29/2008:

This ’53 Vignale Fiat prototype was last driven in 1967 when the engine blew and is believed to be one of two ever built. It was originally blue and has a hand-made aluminum body. Find it here on eBay out of Canoga Park, California.

The front fender shape and custom body reminds us of the BAT-mobile cars or mid-50’s Ghia prototypes. The hood is heavily tapered and the windshield and rear glass are plexiglas.

The triple stripe is obviously an afterthought and the rear bumper is salvageable. The interior features good looking gauges and trim, especially for a prototype.

The car supposedly blew a piston while driving from Los Angeles to Seattle, but the sale does include a spare engine block. The photo below shows the original blue color.

This is definitely a rare Fiat, and we’d like to see the car restored and put back on the road. An inside connection at Fiat might get some information on the history as well.